2012 NFL Power Rankings: Week Three

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Drew Brees #9 and the New Orleans Saints huddle up before playing against the Detroit Lions during their 2012 NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

(credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

By Danny Cox

It was thought that the first week of the 2012 NFL season had seen a few unexpected surprises along with just a small handful of upsets. While all that proved to be true when looking at the records through just the first games, no-one could have predicted most of what happened in Week Two.

The New Orleans Saints, NFC South contenders and possible Super Bowl participants, are now in an 0-2 hole. Something just isn’t right in the Big Easy, and some have to wonder if the absence of Sean Payton on the sideline is causing a lot more problems than originally thought.

Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers have started off quick with a 2-0 start, and they have needed it in the worst way imaginable. Underachieving for years now, the Bolts have to continue this pace and hope they get into the playoffs and keep on going.

A few teams dwelling near the cellar of the power rankings this week will likely continue to look at teams from below for the rest of the season. Cleveland, Tennessee, and Jacksonville are all showing a lot of nothing and that is just what everyone thought they would. Oakland and Kansas City though, are proving to many that they never should have received the hype they got in the preseason.

The middle of the power rankings pack is a jumbled mess with some strange sights, but also a few familiar teams that just can’t seem to find their footing yet. The Cowboys and Giants are bungling around, but showing promise. The Bengals and Bills are looking impressive at times, but don’t appear to have the staying power.

One has to wonder just how much this poll will change throughout the season as it has already had two facelifts ever since the season started and there is a long way to go.

Just a few observations from week two:

No-one saw the Cardinals coming out and manhandling the Patriots.

The Buccaneers and Panthers are now tied for second place in the NFC South ahead of the Saints.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. His work can be found on Examiner.com.